Wise Words from Walker: Signs That Home Care Is Necessary

At Griswold, our goal is to make the transition into your loved one’s non-medical homecare as smooth and enjoyable as possible. But we know that the decision to obtain homecare for your loved one is not always easy. In fact, it’s usually the hardest part of the process.

Diane Walker, responsible for Quality, Compliance and Outcomes, has some useful advice to ease this decision making process. Here’s what she has to say:

“90% of older adults surveyed typically respond that they want to remain in own homes for as long as possible. As we age, health events associated with a chronic medical condition such as arthritis, heart disease or a memory related disorder (such as dementia) can negatively impact our ability to remain independent. Changes in health and quality of life can also trigger the onset of depression, which is often undiagnosed and untreated.

“Other than the loss of a spouse or significant health event such as stroke, difficulties with activities of daily living often occur over time and the changes in one’s ability to function can be gradual and gounnoticed. Visiting with older adults over the holiday is a wonderful time to be observant and note changes that may indicate the person could use help to regain or maintain their quality of life.”

This holiday season, make it a point to observe your loved one. Keep an eye out for any signs that his or her ability to lead a satisfying, independent life has declined or diminished. These signs can be a cluttered and disorganized house, blatant loss of weight, bills piling up or a pattern of mistakes with checking accounts, confusion in areas that he or she is usually confident (such as cooking), an empty fridge or spoiled food lying around, forgetfulness with appointments or medication, a lack of enthusiasm to go to events or meetings that he or she is usually excited to attend, inappropriate clothing, poor hygiene and, perhaps most importantly, any indication of depression or uncharacteristic behavior.

Thank you, Diane, for your expert advice on the signs that a loved one should no longer live alone. In our next post, Diane will provide you with the most important questions you should ask a non-medical homecare provider.

Have you noticed that non-medical in-home care is the best answer for your loved one? Share why in the comments below.

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About the Blog

Founded in 2006, CaringTimes is a resource center for those seeking home care information and support as they care for elderly parents and research senior in home care options. Our mission: to Celebrate, Learn, & Advocate Aging Issues. We highlight available resources and share our expertise during a very difficult and challenging time in many adults’ lives.

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The CaringTimes blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge about various health-related topics. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and linked materials within this blog are not intended and should not be interpreted as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with a licensed physi­cian or other qualified health care provider. Never forgo pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing medical attention because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any of the linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor immediately.

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The Griswold Home Care service model varies depending on which state the office is in. In some states, our service is solely to refer thoroughly screened professional caregivers. In other states, we employ and supervise the caregivers. In every state, we’re 100% focused on quality services and responsiveness to your needs. For each office, you’ll see its service model and learn how we can best help you and your family with your home care needs.